OOU Non-Academic Staff Protest Cancellation of Two-Day Work-Free Policy

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, on Tuesday staged a protest over the cancellation of the two-day work-free policy introduced by the Ogun State Government as part of palliative measures to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

The aggrieved workers described the management’s action as illegal and an act of manipulation against established university regulations. The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “OOU Management Must Obey the Two-Day Directive as Declared by the State Government,” and “Cancellation of Two-Day Off Duty is Illegal,” demanded immediate reinstatement of the policy.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had in September 2024 approved a two-day weekly work-free policy for state workers to reduce transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy. However, the OOU management reportedly withdrew the implementation of the directive, prompting discontent among non-academic staff.

Speaking during the protest, NASU Chairman, Comrade Adebola Odufuwa, accused the management of high-handedness and disregard for staff welfare. He disclosed that the unions had written several letters and issued two seven-day ultimatums demanding the reversal of the decision but received no response.

“We are here to express our dissatisfaction with the cancellation of the two-day off given by the state government as a palliative to cushion rising transportation costs,” Odufuwa said. “Staff spend between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 daily to commute to work, depending on their location. The management cannot unilaterally cancel this directive without engaging stakeholders.”

He further decried alleged threats of mass sack by the management, describing the atmosphere within the university as tense and unsustainable.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, Dr. Adedeji Lamina, urged Governor Abiodun to intervene by setting up a visitation panel to investigate the administration of the university and address the grievances of the workers.

The protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the management reinstates the two-day palliative work-free arrangement or the state government steps in to resolve the impasse.